Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

I have been on a tremendous path of personal growth, and spiritual development for more than two years now. I realize I have so much more work to do, and I realize humility is key to spiritual growth. And it is on this subject of humility which leads me to the topic I wish to discuss:

Praying for your enemies.

I had a powerful spiritual experience roughly 22 months ago, regarding this subject, and I felt as if my mind had been expanded, my thoughts more "clear" and my soul had become more "opened." This is the best I can describe the feeling. Perhaps you can relate?

Herewith is the conclusion I reached after prayer, meditation, and internal dialogue:

I am to pray for my enemies. I am to pray for those I feel anger toward, those I feel hatred toward, those I feel resentment toward. In all cases, including the extremely rare case where my resentment/anger is justified (that is, I played no part in the event which aroused the resentment and anger.) In reality, I have either been the direct cause of all my resentments and all of my angers, or else I have played a major role. (This takes humility to admit.)

I am to pray for these people, and it really has nothing to do with them. It has everything to do with me, and here is why:If I hold a deep resentment toward John, it causes ugliness and disharmony within me. If I have thoughts about John such as, "I hate John! I hope his car breaks down! I hope he gets fired from his job and has to become homeless! I hope his wife divorces him!" and similar thoughts, or milder thoughts such as, "John was a jerk to me. Why did he have to say what he did? He embarrassed me! I don't know why he is so conceited and thinks I am so inferior," then I am consumed with these negative thoughts. I can not realistically expect for his car to break down, for his boss to fire him, for his wife to divorce him, just because I think it.No, the only tangible result of these negative thoughts of mine are that my mind is filled with these negative images, with these negative and dark thoughts. The most likely place these thoughts will manifest are in my life, not John's life!

Well, that was a powerful epiphany to have!

And, I do not have to "forgive and forget." I do not even have to forgive, and if I was seriously wronged, I should not forget and place myself in a position to be taken advantage of/hurt again.

So, I should then, pray for my enemy. I should think thoughts such as, "I hope that John finds true happiness. I hope that John finds fulfillment in the work he does each day. I hope that John is loved by those closest to him, and I hope that John spreads love as well. I wish for John to experience life to the fullest, and I pray for John to find peace, joy, and contentment, all the days of his life." Again, just by my thinking, will these things manifest in John's life? No, of course not!

But, what is the end result of me praying in this positive way for my enemy, John? Yes! It is that my mind is filled with these uplifting, positive, hopeful, joyful thoughts! The most likely place for these prayers to manifest are in my own life!

It took a number of things for me to begin thinking in this way: humility, first and foremost. It also took me separating my emotions from my thoughts. (This is another way of expressing, 'I applied the Trivium to my thinking.') I took that metaphorical "step back" from my thoughts, tried to consciously separate my emotions, and use my intellect. In so doing, I also came to realize that my EGO has done nothing but hold me back, and hurt me, all my life!

It takes humility and courage to think critically, in a logical, rational, reasonable manner, but also to remember that I am a three-fold being: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. One could also argue that there is a fourth and entirely separate side- Emotional.

I am interested in Spiritual Experiences you have had! Epiphanies such as described above, or more gradual experiences. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts regarding "Why we should pray for our enemies" and perhaps that is a good 'jumping off' point for you. Please do share!

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

What verses does that bring up for you? For myself there are some that say if you have 'an issue' with somebody that you should try and solve it on your own first. Another passage says if that doesn't work then invite a 3rd person along and if that doesn't work then let the matter go before the 'Elders of the Church' In the end if there is a sinner in your life and you don't cut the relationship back to where you do not share food with them then God would judged both of you to be sinners.

1Co:5:11: But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

In the OT as sin was by deed, since the time of the start of the 'time of the Gentiles' sins are done when though enter the picture and the next progression for man is the 1,000 year reign, immortality and no temptation to sin where today we have temptation, sin , repenting of sins. Luckily grace covers a lot of the ones a person would miss.

M't:5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Jas:2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point,he is guilty of all.Jas:2:11: For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

That being said the way to look at an enemy is that he is a fellow Gentile but he is not yet 'gathered' so he can be dangerous. No need to feel a need to convert him as you should know it is each in his own part of the salvation sequence. That it is said that Jesus is there if 2 or 3 are talking about the Bible may be the way to survive when the 'Church' is under persecution as the 1/3 that live to see the return are said to be 'in the wilderness' so that is different from the 'front lines' IMO

1Co:15:23: But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

It is very true that having love and forgiveness in your feelings toward others affects your own life for the better. However I also think that the negative vibes from those we offend can cause negative ripples in our life, so that is why it is good to spread good will around and have people like you. Their feelings of good will toward you will make your life go better, and the negative feelings they have toward you act like a kind of curse against you. At least I've seemed to notice that during my life.

If you do have to go against someone on principle, then be prepared to do battle to keep your life on even keel, because their mental vibes against you will be like a force you have to fight against.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

bump for later.......

Love is a state of Being. Your love is not outside; it is deep within you. You can never lose it, and it cannot leave you. You can feel the same life deep within every other human and every other creature. You look beyond the veil of form and separation. This is the realization of oneness. This is love. What is God? The Eternal One Life underneath all the forms of life. What is love? To feel the presence of that One Life deep within yourself and within all creatures. To be it. Therefore, all love is the love of God.

Death is a stripping away of all that is not you. The secret of life is to die before you die - and find that there is no death.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

It is very true that having love and forgiveness in your feelings toward others affects your own life for the better. However I also think that the negative vibes from those we offend can cause negative ripples in our life, so that is why it is good to spread good will around and have people like you. Their feelings of good will toward you will make your life go better, and the negative feelings they have toward you act like a kind of curse against you. At least I've seemed to notice that during my life.

If you do have to go against someone on principle, then be prepared to do battle to keep your life on even keel, because their mental vibes against you will be like a force you have to fight against.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

Thanks for starting this most excellent thread OP! I went through a life changing series of events that started when my gf and I broke up about 4 years ago and ever since then I feel like a totally different person. I can ponder about my thoughts and actions far deeper and with greater understanding than ever before.

For example I have read the story about Jesus on the boat during the storm many times but then one day I gained a completely new understanding. If someone woke me, or you, or anyone we knew up on a boat that was starting to sink, what would our first reaction be? It would be to inquire about the leak, or is everyone okay, or how do we get off, something similar to that right? Well the first think Jesus said was "where is your faith". Isn't it amazing!? To have such incredible faith that even in the most dire circumstances to trust that you will be taken care of. And it was a lesson for us, to know and understand that we will be taken care of, always.

Another thing, that we are to pray for deliverance from the evil one. Why? Because the evil one is more powerful and cunning than we can imagine so we cannot deliver ourselves. We must pray for deliverance from the traps we get caught in from time to time that were set for us. It is important to seek the hidden truths and I'm glad you are doing so OP.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

In the great universe, we are all but projections of one another, seeing what it is That we want to see in ourselvesTo be greater, to be lesserTo be wished away. Why do we pray, for tresspasser's sake?For ourselves,For the universeAnd our soulAre no differentAnd unseparate.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

If you think of the forces of opposition as enemy, then you have given them a victory. If you come to hate or revile them, then their work has been completed according to their intent. If you fear their realms, their thoughts, their works, or any aspect of same, you have empowered them.It is a time for you to consider, Where are the references for my peace? Are they without or within?

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

I have been on a tremendous path of personal growth, and spiritual development for more than two years now. I realize I have so much more work to do, and I realize humility is key to spiritual growth. And it is on this subject of humility which leads me to the topic I wish to discuss:

Praying for your enemies.

I had a powerful spiritual experience roughly 22 months ago, regarding this subject, and I felt as if my mind had been expanded, my thoughts more "clear" and my soul had become more "opened." This is the best I can describe the feeling. Perhaps you can relate?

Herewith is the conclusion I reached after prayer, meditation, and internal dialogue:

I am to pray for my enemies. I am to pray for those I feel anger toward, those I feel hatred toward, those I feel resentment toward. In all cases, including the extremely rare case where my resentment/anger is justified (that is, I played no part in the event which aroused the resentment and anger.) In reality, I have either been the direct cause of all my resentments and all of my angers, or else I have played a major role. (This takes humility to admit.)

I am to pray for these people, and it really has nothing to do with them. It has everything to do with me, and here is why:If I hold a deep resentment toward John, it causes ugliness and disharmony within me. If I have thoughts about John such as, "I hate John! I hope his car breaks down! I hope he gets fired from his job and has to become homeless! I hope his wife divorces him!" and similar thoughts, or milder thoughts such as, "John was a jerk to me. Why did he have to say what he did? He embarrassed me! I don't know why he is so conceited and thinks I am so inferior," then I am consumed with these negative thoughts. I can not realistically expect for his car to break down, for his boss to fire him, for his wife to divorce him, just because I think it.No, the only tangible result of these negative thoughts of mine are that my mind is filled with these negative images, with these negative and dark thoughts. The most likely place these thoughts will manifest are in my life, not John's life!

Well, that was a powerful epiphany to have!

And, I do not have to "forgive and forget." I do not even have to forgive, and if I was seriously wronged, I should not forget and place myself in a position to be taken advantage of/hurt again.

So, I should then, pray for my enemy. I should think thoughts such as, "I hope that John finds true happiness. I hope that John finds fulfillment in the work he does each day. I hope that John is loved by those closest to him, and I hope that John spreads love as well. I wish for John to experience life to the fullest, and I pray for John to find peace, joy, and contentment, all the days of his life." Again, just by my thinking, will these things manifest in John's life? No, of course not!

But, what is the end result of me praying in this positive way for my enemy, John? Yes! It is that my mind is filled with these uplifting, positive, hopeful, joyful thoughts! The most likely place for these prayers to manifest are in my own life!

It took a number of things for me to begin thinking in this way: humility, first and foremost. It also took me separating my emotions from my thoughts. (This is another way of expressing, 'I applied the Trivium to my thinking.') I took that metaphorical "step back" from my thoughts, tried to consciously separate my emotions, and use my intellect. In so doing, I also came to realize that my EGO has done nothing but hold me back, and hurt me, all my life!

It takes humility and courage to think critically, in a logical, rational, reasonable manner, but also to remember that I am a three-fold being: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. One could also argue that there is a fourth and entirely separate side- Emotional.

I am interested in Spiritual Experiences you have had! Epiphanies such as described above, or more gradual experiences. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts regarding "Why we should pray for our enemies" and perhaps that is a good 'jumping off' point for you. Please do share!

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

I have been on a tremendous path of personal growth, and spiritual development for more than two years now. I realize I have so much more work to do, and I realize humility is key to spiritual growth. And it is on this subject of humility which leads me to the topic I wish to discuss:

Praying for your enemies.

I had a powerful spiritual experience roughly 22 months ago, regarding this subject, and I felt as if my mind had been expanded, my thoughts more "clear" and my soul had become more "opened." This is the best I can describe the feeling. Perhaps you can relate?

Herewith is the conclusion I reached after prayer, meditation, and internal dialogue:

I am to pray for my enemies. I am to pray for those I feel anger toward, those I feel hatred toward, those I feel resentment toward. In all cases, including the extremely rare case where my resentment/anger is justified (that is, I played no part in the event which aroused the resentment and anger.) In reality, I have either been the direct cause of all my resentments and all of my angers, or else I have played a major role. (This takes humility to admit.)

I am to pray for these people, and it really has nothing to do with them. It has everything to do with me, and here is why:If I hold a deep resentment toward John, it causes ugliness and disharmony within me. If I have thoughts about John such as, "I hate John! I hope his car breaks down! I hope he gets fired from his job and has to become homeless! I hope his wife divorces him!" and similar thoughts, or milder thoughts such as, "John was a jerk to me. Why did he have to say what he did? He embarrassed me! I don't know why he is so conceited and thinks I am so inferior," then I am consumed with these negative thoughts. I can not realistically expect for his car to break down, for his boss to fire him, for his wife to divorce him, just because I think it.No, the only tangible result of these negative thoughts of mine are that my mind is filled with these negative images, with these negative and dark thoughts. The most likely place these thoughts will manifest are in my life, not John's life!

Well, that was a powerful epiphany to have!

And, I do not have to "forgive and forget." I do not even have to forgive, and if I was seriously wronged, I should not forget and place myself in a position to be taken advantage of/hurt again.

So, I should then, pray for my enemy. I should think thoughts such as, "I hope that John finds true happiness. I hope that John finds fulfillment in the work he does each day. I hope that John is loved by those closest to him, and I hope that John spreads love as well. I wish for John to experience life to the fullest, and I pray for John to find peace, joy, and contentment, all the days of his life." Again, just by my thinking, will these things manifest in John's life? No, of course not!

But, what is the end result of me praying in this positive way for my enemy, John? Yes! It is that my mind is filled with these uplifting, positive, hopeful, joyful thoughts! The most likely place for these prayers to manifest are in my own life!

It took a number of things for me to begin thinking in this way: humility, first and foremost. It also took me separating my emotions from my thoughts. (This is another way of expressing, 'I applied the Trivium to my thinking.') I took that metaphorical "step back" from my thoughts, tried to consciously separate my emotions, and use my intellect. In so doing, I also came to realize that my EGO has done nothing but hold me back, and hurt me, all my life!

It takes humility and courage to think critically, in a logical, rational, reasonable manner, but also to remember that I am a three-fold being: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. One could also argue that there is a fourth and entirely separate side- Emotional.

I am interested in Spiritual Experiences you have had! Epiphanies such as described above, or more gradual experiences. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts regarding "Why we should pray for our enemies" and perhaps that is a good 'jumping off' point for you. Please do share!

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

I just have to say something here:

Everybody is sooo Lost....Everyone is just trying to do the best that they can ... and trying different "religions" that will give them hope....I honestly do not know anymore what is the best ..except for "Satan" we surely do NOT wANT TO GO THERE! But...whatever gives you hope in life..go with it.... god bless us all

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

I have been on a tremendous path of personal growth, and spiritual development for more than two years now. I realize I have so much more work to do, and I realize humility is key to spiritual growth. And it is on this subject of humility which leads me to the topic I wish to discuss:

Praying for your enemies.

I had a powerful spiritual experience roughly 22 months ago, regarding this subject, and I felt as if my mind had been expanded, my thoughts more "clear" and my soul had become more "opened." This is the best I can describe the feeling. Perhaps you can relate?

Herewith is the conclusion I reached after prayer, meditation, and internal dialogue:

I am to pray for my enemies. I am to pray for those I feel anger toward, those I feel hatred toward, those I feel resentment toward. In all cases, including the extremely rare case where my resentment/anger is justified (that is, I played no part in the event which aroused the resentment and anger.) In reality, I have either been the direct cause of all my resentments and all of my angers, or else I have played a major role. (This takes humility to admit.)

I am to pray for these people, and it really has nothing to do with them. It has everything to do with me, and here is why:If I hold a deep resentment toward John, it causes ugliness and disharmony within me. If I have thoughts about John such as, "I hate John! I hope his car breaks down! I hope he gets fired from his job and has to become homeless! I hope his wife divorces him!" and similar thoughts, or milder thoughts such as, "John was a jerk to me. Why did he have to say what he did? He embarrassed me! I don't know why he is so conceited and thinks I am so inferior," then I am consumed with these negative thoughts. I can not realistically expect for his car to break down, for his boss to fire him, for his wife to divorce him, just because I think it.No, the only tangible result of these negative thoughts of mine are that my mind is filled with these negative images, with these negative and dark thoughts. The most likely place these thoughts will manifest are in my life, not John's life!

Well, that was a powerful epiphany to have!

And, I do not have to "forgive and forget." I do not even have to forgive, and if I was seriously wronged, I should not forget and place myself in a position to be taken advantage of/hurt again.

So, I should then, pray for my enemy. I should think thoughts such as, "I hope that John finds true happiness. I hope that John finds fulfillment in the work he does each day. I hope that John is loved by those closest to him, and I hope that John spreads love as well. I wish for John to experience life to the fullest, and I pray for John to find peace, joy, and contentment, all the days of his life." Again, just by my thinking, will these things manifest in John's life? No, of course not!

But, what is the end result of me praying in this positive way for my enemy, John? Yes! It is that my mind is filled with these uplifting, positive, hopeful, joyful thoughts! The most likely place for these prayers to manifest are in my own life!

It took a number of things for me to begin thinking in this way: humility, first and foremost. It also took me separating my emotions from my thoughts. (This is another way of expressing, 'I applied the Trivium to my thinking.') I took that metaphorical "step back" from my thoughts, tried to consciously separate my emotions, and use my intellect. In so doing, I also came to realize that my EGO has done nothing but hold me back, and hurt me, all my life!

It takes humility and courage to think critically, in a logical, rational, reasonable manner, but also to remember that I am a three-fold being: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. One could also argue that there is a fourth and entirely separate side- Emotional.

I am interested in Spiritual Experiences you have had! Epiphanies such as described above, or more gradual experiences. I am genuinely interested in your thoughts regarding "Why we should pray for our enemies" and perhaps that is a good 'jumping off' point for you. Please do share!

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

Bcuase everybody loves those that love them. Jesus said what reward is there in that? Love your enemies. Give them the shirt off your back, if they want you to walk a mile, go two miles. By doing this you heap burning coals on there head, which means you show them the love of Christ.

he loved everyone of us, he will forgive everyone of us, so we out of love for him, do the same.

Re: Why we are to pray for our enemies, a discussion regarding Spiritual Experiences.

Jesus wasn't talking about the political rivalries within Satan's military industrial complex, he meant pray for whoever is inclined to outgrow them and bond together, in one powerful united mind to stand together against Satan's reign of terror; "Finally, go on acquiring power in [the] Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God that YOU may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; 12 because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that YOU may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after YOU have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm.14 Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. 16 Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which YOU will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18 while with every form of prayer and supplication YOU carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones," Eph6:9